Phú Quốc and APEC 2027: Driving Economic Growth Through Green and Smart Development

On the construction site of Nam Island in early 2026, the emergence of a new political and economic hub is taking shape at a pace that international media has likened to “the speed of light.” By the end of 2025, the APEC Convention & Exhibition Center and the Multipurpose Performance Hall, with a total investment of 21.860 trillion VND, had reached 33% completion in just under six months. According to Sun Group, the project is expected to be finalized by Q1/2027, well in advance of the APEC High-Level Week.

This urgency isn’t solely for an international event. Speaking at the Phu Quoc Special Economic Zone – Taking Flight with APEC seminar, Dr. Nguyen Anh Tuan, Director of the Institute for Tourism Development Research, emphasized that APEC is a “unique golden opportunity” for Phu Quoc to accelerate its position on the global MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism map. These projects are pivotal in transforming the island from a resource-dependent destination into a world-class tourism, hospitality, and eco-friendly hub.

Green and Smart Transformation: From Net Zero Commitment to the LRT Network

The shift away from raw resource exploitation and ecological preservation isn’t coincidental. In this new era, “green” is a mandatory standard for Phu Quoc to join the ranks of global destinations. Mr. Tran Minh Khoa, Chairman of the Phu Quoc Special Economic Zone People’s Committee, affirmed that the zone has signed a “Green Transformation” commitment with international organizations, aiming for Net Zero with the Green Transformation Plan expected to be completed by Q1/2026.

Leading experts discuss at the “Phu Quoc Special Economic Zone – Taking Flight with APEC” seminar.

To realize this commitment, Phu Quoc is implementing its “ace” in smart transportation: the Light Rail Transit (LRT) system. With a total investment of nearly 9 trillion VND and a length of 18km connecting the airport to the APEC Convention Center, the LRT is a solution to reduce emissions. Operating entirely on electricity, the system cuts emissions by up to 99% compared to private vehicles and reduces travel time to just 20 minutes.

To welcome thousands of international delegates for APEC 2027, Phu Quoc is elevating its “smart” standards to the highest level, starting at its aviation gateway. The expansion of Phu Quoc International Airport, invested by Sun Group for APEC, has unveiled a Total Airport Management (TAM) model and a biometric system, creating a “seamless, touchless” journey. With advanced screening technology from Smiths Detection and a modern ICS baggage handling system, check-in times are reduced to just 15-20 seconds per person. The combination of automated parking and underground refueling not only optimizes efficiency but also showcases a city powered by artificial intelligence and big data.

Recently, after Sun Group took over operations, Phu Quoc International Airport also launched the ePass non-stop toll collection system, addressing local congestion, reducing travel time, and enhancing convenience for passengers from the moment they approach the airport. This contributes to improved traffic management and urban civilization.

Lessons from Singapore and the “Compact City” Approach

Alongside transportation infrastructure, in the “green – smart” development strategy, an island like Phu Quoc, with 60-70% of its area covered by primary forests, constantly faces the challenge of balancing conservation and development. Dr. Nguyen Si Dung highlights lessons from Singapore: strict forest preservation coupled with strategic land reclamation for modern infrastructure.

“25% of Singapore’s land area is reclaimed. Without reclamation, Singapore’s size would be comparable to Phu Quoc. If Phu Quoc adopts Singapore-style reclamation, it could be equally impressive. However, it requires talent and a larger population. Singapore has nearly 6 million inhabitants, while Phu Quoc has just over 200,000. To develop robustly, it must attract a concentrated population,” Dr. Nguyen Si Dung noted.

The 18km LRT line connects the airport to the APEC Convention Center and the southern island area, offering a solution to reduce emissions.

Alongside population attraction, the “compact city” model is essential. Dr. Tran Du Lich suggests creating vast green spaces alongside high-rise, modern urban clusters to optimize land use. Here, the LRT serves as the “backbone,” connecting growth hubs, reducing pressure on road systems, and preserving natural landscapes.

Need for a Tailored “Blueprint” for Strategic Investors

All green and smart ambitions will struggle to materialize without superior institutional support. Prof. Dr. Pham Trung Luong emphasizes that Phu Quoc needs a “sandbox” mechanism for institutional experimentation to create differentiation. Specifically, policies for strategic investors must be more substantively designed.

APEC 2027 is a historic catalyst for Phu Quoc’s breakthrough, driven by highly innovative mechanisms.